From old family photos to tatreez pillows and Palestine posters, Mishkah, a creative space and olive oil station in AlQouz, brings Palestine to the centre of Dubai. Founders Hasan Al Zeer and Khalid Barakji were brainstorming business ideas during Covid-19 quarantine, and noticed the large number of olive oil barrels that would arrive straight from the Al Zeer family farm in Salfit, Palestine. Olive oil has been an ingredient rooted in Palestinian identity for thousands of years, and whilst Palestinian olive oil has already been sold in the UAE, the two friends decided to think outside the box on how they could do it a little differently.
And hence, in 2022, Mishkah was born. Not only can you buy your own olive oil straight from Palestine, but you can also purchase fresh zaatar, sumaac and other Palestinian delicacies. Centred with a beautiful olive tree right in the middle, Mishkah is rooted in the beauty of not just being Palestinian, but from the entire Levantine region.
The space also has olive oil dispensers where you can refill your bottles and receive a 10% discount. Apart from the homey interiors, the cafe offers a few specialties you won’t be able to resist, such as their iced sage tea and Zaatar chocolate tart.
Mishkah has also teamed up with the Palestinian chef known as ‘Khalid Eats’ to offer intimate supper clubs, and have just announced a new dining experience, ‘Come with me to Falasteen Ramadan Edition,’ where Khalid will prepare six-course meals for Iftar and Suhoor.
Apart from supper clubs, Mishkah has also hosted several workshops where guests are invited to learn the intricacies of tatreez as well as decoupage and rug-making. Recently, the space welcomed Melià Flowers, a boutique which merges culture with beautiful flower arrangements and bouquets. You can even purchase their stunning hampers as a perfect gift for Ramadan, which includes fresh flowers and Mishkah products.
The space is also perfect for intimate events and gatherings, as GRAZIA even hosted its subhiyyah event for International Women’s Day and to announce season two of Preserving Palestine.
All in all, Mishkah is the home away from home for not only every Palestinian, but everyone looking to discover a piece of the Levant.
